Psychiatrists in Montgomery County, TX
![Photo of Omowunmi Ojo - Kindercare behavioral health services LLC, APRN, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ca39973-48ba-4336-a32b-df88323e870b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kindercare behavioral health services LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Conroe, TX 77304 (Online Only)
Are you grappling with life's challenges, feeling isolated and unfulfilled? Are you dealing with stress from past trauma? Are you struggling with persistent emotional turmoil? Are you suffering from depression, anxiety, and mental health issues? If so, you're not alone; call for help and the path toward healing and resilience. KinderCare behavioral health services provide a wide range of psychiatric mental health needs to a variety of clients. We offer specialized expertise in addressing a wide range of psychological concerns. We provide personalized, evidence-based care to manage mental illness and meet the needs of our patients.
Are you grappling with life's challenges, feeling isolated and unfulfilled? Are you dealing with stress from past trauma? Are you struggling with persistent emotional turmoil? Are you suffering from depression, anxiety, and mental health issues? If so, you're not alone; call for help and the path toward healing and resilience. KinderCare behavioral health services provide a wide range of psychiatric mental health needs to a variety of clients. We offer specialized expertise in addressing a wide range of psychological concerns. We provide personalized, evidence-based care to manage mental illness and meet the needs of our patients.
![Photo of Oluwatobi Faith Adeleke - Leading edge behavioural health and services, APRN, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ae726d3-3da6-4c9f-ae7a-f0d1c63db514/2/320x400.jpeg)
Leading edge behavioural health and services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Conroe, TX 77304 (Online Only)
Do you find yourself facing challenges in life that leave you feeling unfulfilled? Do you feel less understood and less alone in your daily struggles? As a child, were you the victim of abuse or neglect? Do you frequently feel down, grumpy, angry, tense, or uninspired? Do you lack self-assurance and worry that you aren't good enough? Is it hard for you to believe people? Do you struggle with mental health or relationships? I I'm a LGBTQ+ affirming Psychiatric provider who can help you create a personalized care plan to achieve your mental and emotional well-being .
Do you find yourself facing challenges in life that leave you feeling unfulfilled? Do you feel less understood and less alone in your daily struggles? As a child, were you the victim of abuse or neglect? Do you frequently feel down, grumpy, angry, tense, or uninspired? Do you lack self-assurance and worry that you aren't good enough? Is it hard for you to believe people? Do you struggle with mental health or relationships? I I'm a LGBTQ+ affirming Psychiatric provider who can help you create a personalized care plan to achieve your mental and emotional well-being .
![Photo of For More Information - Equanimity Behavioral Health & Consultation Serv, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6679eea6-9f92-4c17-aa5d-804db4eb573b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Equanimity Behavioral Health & Consultation Serv
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Conroe, TX 77304 (Online Only)
Our Providers understand life brings challenges that at some point can be very overwhelming to handle alone, leading to the inability to maintain mental calmness and happiness to live to our fullest potential. Our Mission is to provide a warm, calm, and compassionate environment for us to walk on the journey together to see you reach your goals. You are not just a number, to us, you are a very special person, so we are here to listen to you and together we will develop a partnership that will help us to evaluate, diagnose, and develop an individualized treatment plan best suited for you to achieve optimal outcomes
Our Providers understand life brings challenges that at some point can be very overwhelming to handle alone, leading to the inability to maintain mental calmness and happiness to live to our fullest potential. Our Mission is to provide a warm, calm, and compassionate environment for us to walk on the journey together to see you reach your goals. You are not just a number, to us, you are a very special person, so we are here to listen to you and together we will develop a partnership that will help us to evaluate, diagnose, and develop an individualized treatment plan best suited for you to achieve optimal outcomes
![Photo of Anthony Martinez, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d7e0fcd3-4b40-4347-b854-ed76f55a4907/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am pleased to be offering in person visits and telehealth visits. I am accepting new patients ages 6 years old and up at Magnolia Psychiatry. I am available most weekdays and after hours.
I am pleased to be offering in person visits and telehealth visits. I am accepting new patients ages 6 years old and up at Magnolia Psychiatry. I am available most weekdays and after hours.
![Photo of Omotayo Yejide Sofela, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a29367aa-939c-412a-bdf0-1fe17d20f181/1/320x400.jpeg)
Omotayo Yejide Sofela
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
The Woodlands, TX 77382 (Online Only)
Abisom Behavioral Health LLC takes a compassionate approach to care, personalizing treatment plans in a welcoming environment with patient well-being as a top priority. Patients receive skilled support on their journey toward a better life by having a provider who takes time to really listen and answer questions — a personalized touch patients can trust.
Abisom Behavioral Health LLC takes a compassionate approach to care, personalizing treatment plans in a welcoming environment with patient well-being as a top priority. Patients receive skilled support on their journey toward a better life by having a provider who takes time to really listen and answer questions — a personalized touch patients can trust.
![Photo of Riz Ahmad - Dr Riz @ Evolve Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c22eeda9-1167-4177-bc7c-2069918d0ba6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Which emotions stem from genetics and which are rooted in circumstances? How can you even begin to accurately express yourself? How much change is even possible? What if medications change you for the worse? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Which emotions stem from genetics and which are rooted in circumstances? How can you even begin to accurately express yourself? How much change is even possible? What if medications change you for the worse? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
![Photo of Nishan D Adihetty, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb457b6e-9c75-4c66-a751-98218450a5c7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I'm a Board-Certified Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist and a Board-Certified Adult Psychiatrist, practicing Psychiatry for over 12 years. My practice is, Pathways Specialty Clinic in The Woodlands, TX. I treat a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses in Adults and in Children. Depressive Disorders, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety & panic disorder, Schizophrenia, Acute and Post Traumatic Stress disorders, ADHD, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation D/O, OCD are among them. Throughout my career I've possessed knowledge and experience in treating Adults & Children with mild to severe mental illnesses, in diverse psychiatric treatment settings.
Hello, I'm a Board-Certified Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist and a Board-Certified Adult Psychiatrist, practicing Psychiatry for over 12 years. My practice is, Pathways Specialty Clinic in The Woodlands, TX. I treat a wide variety of psychiatric illnesses in Adults and in Children. Depressive Disorders, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety & panic disorder, Schizophrenia, Acute and Post Traumatic Stress disorders, ADHD, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation D/O, OCD are among them. Throughout my career I've possessed knowledge and experience in treating Adults & Children with mild to severe mental illnesses, in diverse psychiatric treatment settings.
![Photo of Siddharth Arora - The Care Clinic, DO, MS, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/457c1a66-977b-4c35-ac8b-96ab5fdc0aae/4/320x400.png)
At the CARE Clinic, we provide our patients with up-to-date, evidenced based practices along with some of the most experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals in the field. Our mission has been to provide quality care in a safe environment - earning us a reputation as the clinic most often recommended by family members and colleagues alike. From Addiction Medicine to Brain Health and Wellness, our personalized services allow us to cater to your individual needs. We truly believe that recovery can be a reality for everyone.
At the CARE Clinic, we provide our patients with up-to-date, evidenced based practices along with some of the most experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals in the field. Our mission has been to provide quality care in a safe environment - earning us a reputation as the clinic most often recommended by family members and colleagues alike. From Addiction Medicine to Brain Health and Wellness, our personalized services allow us to cater to your individual needs. We truly believe that recovery can be a reality for everyone.
![Photo of Sara Holland, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ee446df1-1cab-46e3-9296-4cf2b6ad2b33/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a Board-Certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing within themselves by taking a holistic approach to providing patient-centered care. I provide compassionate care, actively listening to my patients’. My evidence-based approach allows me to tailor treatment plans that address specific needs, whether managing anxiety, overcoming depression, or navigating life's challenges.
I'm a Board-Certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing within themselves by taking a holistic approach to providing patient-centered care. I provide compassionate care, actively listening to my patients’. My evidence-based approach allows me to tailor treatment plans that address specific needs, whether managing anxiety, overcoming depression, or navigating life's challenges.
![Photo of Quinn Walkley, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93c2dda6-d270-462d-8808-323b06d69905/2/320x400.jpeg)
Quinn Walkley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. My care is provided in a holistic approach incorporating medication management as well as a mind-body approach. I believe that by combining mental, physical, faith, and spiritual well being each patient can achieve their full potential. Mental health is often an overlooked piece of people’s health and I am passionate about empowering people so that they can live their best life.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. My care is provided in a holistic approach incorporating medication management as well as a mind-body approach. I believe that by combining mental, physical, faith, and spiritual well being each patient can achieve their full potential. Mental health is often an overlooked piece of people’s health and I am passionate about empowering people so that they can live their best life.
![Photo of Cathy Taylor, ARPN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac282f00-ff66-4b84-a494-af7e1c29c6e3/1/320x400.jpeg)
My ideal client is someone who is seeking help to live their best life. They may be experiencing depression, anxiety, inattention or other issues. They know they are not functioning at their best level and are brave enough to find help. Medication and therapy can help so many of us get back on track living our fullest lives. I try to tell all my patients that we all hit brick walls at some point in our lives and that is ok. We just have to figure out a way to get past that brick wall. Once we have what is needed, whether medication help or new coping skills, we can thrive again.
My ideal client is someone who is seeking help to live their best life. They may be experiencing depression, anxiety, inattention or other issues. They know they are not functioning at their best level and are brave enough to find help. Medication and therapy can help so many of us get back on track living our fullest lives. I try to tell all my patients that we all hit brick walls at some point in our lives and that is ok. We just have to figure out a way to get past that brick wall. Once we have what is needed, whether medication help or new coping skills, we can thrive again.
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![Photo of Hilary Butella, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f254ecea-b4cc-4793-b89e-700b7ce1b510/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hilary Butella
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
I provide individualized psychiatric medication management while incorporating aspects of physical wellbeing, lifestyle choices, emotional health and spirituality. My goal is to promote health and wellness in a compassionate, empathetic setting. Evaluating factors from genetics, personality, relationships, and lifestyle enables a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to meet your specific needs. I am a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner with dual certifications in psychiatry and family practice/primary care. I believe these certifications combined give me the ability to assess and treat my patients more comprehensively.
I provide individualized psychiatric medication management while incorporating aspects of physical wellbeing, lifestyle choices, emotional health and spirituality. My goal is to promote health and wellness in a compassionate, empathetic setting. Evaluating factors from genetics, personality, relationships, and lifestyle enables a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to meet your specific needs. I am a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner with dual certifications in psychiatry and family practice/primary care. I believe these certifications combined give me the ability to assess and treat my patients more comprehensively.
![Photo of Layth Hakim, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a6a0a25-3bb4-4066-9b82-514590a96122/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Layth Hakim is a Psychiatrist in Texas who has been practicing since 2006. Dr. Hakim has more than 15 years of clinical experience and have taught psychopharmacology to psychiatric residents. Outside of work, Dr. Hakim enjoys fishing, meditation, and narcissistic abuse recovery.
Dr. Layth Hakim is a Psychiatrist in Texas who has been practicing since 2006. Dr. Hakim has more than 15 years of clinical experience and have taught psychopharmacology to psychiatric residents. Outside of work, Dr. Hakim enjoys fishing, meditation, and narcissistic abuse recovery.
![Photo of Dr. Vishnu Challapalli, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5bd4ed26-efae-4ac2-9352-4d7d3b7d8bff/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Vishnu Challapalliis a board-certified general psychiatrist with more than 25 years of experience treating patients with anxiety and mood disorders. Dr. Challapalli is board-eligible for child psychiatry. He utilizes diagnostic assessment and medication management. Dr. Challapalli can complete same-day initial evaluations. He completed his residency in pediatrics at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago and his residency in psychiatry at the Chicago Medical School. Dr. Challapalli completed his child psychiatry fellowship at the University of Rochester. He is fluent in English and Telugu.
Dr. Vishnu Challapalliis a board-certified general psychiatrist with more than 25 years of experience treating patients with anxiety and mood disorders. Dr. Challapalli is board-eligible for child psychiatry. He utilizes diagnostic assessment and medication management. Dr. Challapalli can complete same-day initial evaluations. He completed his residency in pediatrics at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago and his residency in psychiatry at the Chicago Medical School. Dr. Challapalli completed his child psychiatry fellowship at the University of Rochester. He is fluent in English and Telugu.
![Photo of Chris Kos, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4e33a81-80c7-43ae-88bf-ad703c910a66/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am excited to be offering in person visits at our new clinic in Conroe, at 1904 Longmire, Ste 401, in addition to telehealth visits. I am accepting new patients ages 6 years old and up at Magnolia Psychiatry.
I am excited to be offering in person visits at our new clinic in Conroe, at 1904 Longmire, Ste 401, in addition to telehealth visits. I am accepting new patients ages 6 years old and up at Magnolia Psychiatry.
![Photo of Ifeoma Nwugbana, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48db6cfd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about providing excellent, wholesome and compassionate care, as I believe this is the key to any successful mental health treatment. I have special interests in treating ADHD, autism, depression and anxiety, and can provide specialist services to all age groups. I am looking forward to building a great therapeutic relationship with you.
I am passionate about providing excellent, wholesome and compassionate care, as I believe this is the key to any successful mental health treatment. I have special interests in treating ADHD, autism, depression and anxiety, and can provide specialist services to all age groups. I am looking forward to building a great therapeutic relationship with you.
![Photo of Ori Ogebe-Sheriff, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8364d2e7-4d6f-485b-b351-8cfa0b346280/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ogebe-Sheriff completed her medical school at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. She moved to the US and completed her General Psychiatry residency at the Case Western Reserve University Metrohealth Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. She went on to complete her Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the Baylor College of medicine in Houston, Texas. She is double-board certified in Adult as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She has served as Assistant clinical professor at the Northeast Ohio Universities College of Medicine in Rootstown, Ohio and at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX.
Dr. Ogebe-Sheriff completed her medical school at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. She moved to the US and completed her General Psychiatry residency at the Case Western Reserve University Metrohealth Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. She went on to complete her Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the Baylor College of medicine in Houston, Texas. She is double-board certified in Adult as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She has served as Assistant clinical professor at the Northeast Ohio Universities College of Medicine in Rootstown, Ohio and at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX.
![Photo of Pacificah Nyangau Doctor Of Nursing Practice, DNP , APRN-RN, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b74b9509-ece3-4a47-a2c2-7b2f15d3e16c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Pacificah Nyangau Doctor Of Nursing Practice
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP , APRN-RN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
I understand life brings challenges that at some point can be very overwhelming to handle alone, leading to the inability to maintain mental calmness and happiness to live to our fullest potential. My Mission is to provide a warm, calm, and compassionate environment for us to walk on the journey together to see you reach your goals. You are not just a number, to me, you are a very special person, so I am here to listen to you and together we will develop a partnership that will help us to evaluate, diagnose, and develop an individualized treatment plan best suited for you to achieve optimal outcomes.
I understand life brings challenges that at some point can be very overwhelming to handle alone, leading to the inability to maintain mental calmness and happiness to live to our fullest potential. My Mission is to provide a warm, calm, and compassionate environment for us to walk on the journey together to see you reach your goals. You are not just a number, to me, you are a very special person, so I am here to listen to you and together we will develop a partnership that will help us to evaluate, diagnose, and develop an individualized treatment plan best suited for you to achieve optimal outcomes.
![Photo of Dr. Alejandro Perez - Dr. Perez @ Evolve Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb9de8be-c829-4939-b716-08f8f8ee691c/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Perez @ Evolve Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
The Woodlands, TX 77380 (Online Only)
Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Which emotions stem from genetics and which are rooted in circumstances? How can you even begin to accurately express yourself? How much change is even possible? What if medications change you for the worse? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Which emotions stem from genetics and which are rooted in circumstances? How can you even begin to accurately express yourself? How much change is even possible? What if medications change you for the worse? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
See more therapy options for Montgomery County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Montgomery County, TX
70+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in Montgomery County, TX who prioritize treating:
96% | Anxiety |
95% | Depression |
78% | Bipolar Disorder |
71% | ADHD |
71% | Trauma and PTSD |
70% | Medication Management |
65% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
93% | Cigna and Evernorth |
92% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
88% | Aetna |
How Psychiatrists in Montgomery County, TX see their clients
56% | In Person and Online | |
44% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
62% | Female | |
38% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Montgomery County?
The Psychology Today Directory enables you to search specifically for psychiatrists, using the drop down provider menu in the navigation bar, by city or zip code, or by the name of the psychiatrist. Search results provide detailed profiles of professionals, including their treatment approach and areas of expertise. In addition, listings provide important information about each psychiatrist’s credentials, fees, payment options, and insurance affiliations. Directory users can select psychiatrists who meet an array of personally-desired criteria, such as familiarity with a specific community or condition.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists who focus on understanding, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the brain and disorders of the mind and behavior. As physicians, psychiatrists are trained to recognize the often-subtle biological causes of mental disorders and to monitor the effects of mental disturbances on physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychologists are especially attuned to the influence of early experience on development and behavior, emotional and cognitive processes, the nature of personality, and social functioning. They are also trained to deploy an array of psychological tests—IQ tests, personality tests, behavioral assessments—to gauge a person’s functioning.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner, also known as a mental health nurse practitioner, is a registered nurse who completes advanced training in psychiatric care, earning either a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing, and in the U.S., passes a national certification exam. Like psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. In some locales, psychiatric nurse practitioners can offer the full range of psychiatric care, including prescribing and managing medication. In other places, they must work in collaboration with a physician.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed psychiatrist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. All psychiatrists listed in the directory have a valid license issued by the state(s) in which they practice and are certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some individuals or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication?
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who are trained to recognize the many ways body processes affect the functioning of the brain and mind. As physicians, they can prescribe medication. Patients who are prescribed medications will typically need to continue to see a psychiatrist so that the effects of the medication can be monitored. For many psychiatric conditions, including common disorders such as anxiety and depression, the preferred treatment is combination therapy—medication accompanied by psychotherapy.
Do psychiatrists offer therapy?
Psychiatrists are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and, increasingly, somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations. While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most sessions with a psychiatrist may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management. Many psychiatrists who do not offer psychotherapy work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians and can refer clients seeking talk therapy to those providers.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the physician may review their medical history or perform medical tests to determine whether biological factors are involved before making a referral. It is not necessary for a person to know precisely what type of care they need in order to seek help. Many psychiatrists and psychologists refer clients to each other depending on client needs.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
A referral to a psychiatrist is often not required. However, seeing your primary care physician first can be helpful and actually prove to be a shortcut to getting what you need. Your PCP may have a clear idea whether psychiatric help is needed and/or which kind of mental health care would be most beneficial and refer you to the right type of practitioner. For that reason alone, some psychiatrists require a referral. Further, many insurance plans require a referral from a PCP if they cover all of part of the cost of seeing a specialist; if, however, you are paying out of pocket, you may not need a referral. In any case, a referral may speed the process of securing an appointment with a psychiatrist, especially in areas where there is a shortage of mental health specialists and new patients face long waits for appointments.